PSG Beat Tottenham on Penalties to Win UEFA Super Cup

In a thrilling and dramatic UEFA Super Cup match held in Udine, Italy, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) secured their first UEFA Super Cup title by defeating Tottenham Hotspur 4-3 in a penalty shootout. The match, played on August 13, 2025, was a tense contest that saw Tottenham take an early 2-0 lead, only for PSG to mount a remarkable late comeback and force the game into penalties.

Tottenham, the Europa League winners, appeared firmly in control for much of the match. The English side took the lead through two goals from defenders, with Micky van de Ven opening the scoring in the 39th minute after PSG's goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier had tipped a shot onto the crossbar. Shortly after halftime, new Tottenham captain Cristian Romero doubled the advantage with a powerful header. It was Tottenham's first competitive match under new manager Thomas Frank, who had taken over from Ange Postecoglou, the coach who last season led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years.

Despite Tottenham's strong start, PSG, the Champions League winners, showed impressive resilience and determination. With only five minutes remaining, substitute Lee Kang-in blasted a fierce low shot from the edge of the area to bring PSG back into the match. The dramatic equalizer came in stoppage time when another substitute, Gonçalo Ramos, headed in a precise cross from Ousmane Dembele, leveling the game 2-2 and sending it to a penalty shootout.

The shootout was a high-pressure situation for both teams. PSG had a rocky start as Vitinha missed their first penalty, but Tottenham also faltered with misses by Micky van de Ven and Mathys Tel. PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier made key saves, and Nuno Mendes scored the winning penalty, securing a 4-3 shootout victory for the French club.

PSG captain Marquinhos praised his team's mental strength and tactical discipline, highlighting that despite limited training time following their recent Club World Cup campaign, their focus and resilience made the difference. Meanwhile, Tottenham's new manager Thomas Frank reflected positively on the team's performance, acknowledging the disappointment but emphasizing the positives from competing closely against one of the top teams in Europe.

This victory marks PSG's fifth trophy of 2025, adding to their successes in the Champions League, Ligue 1, Coupe de France, and Trophee des Champions. It also highlights the unpredictable nature of football where early leads can be overturned with persistence and composure under pressure. For Tottenham, the experience offers learning as they aim to build on their Europa League success and strive for more silverware.

Overall, the UEFA Super Cup showcased the intense drama and excitement of European football, with both teams displaying quality and spirit. The match will be remembered as a classic example of late comebacks and the fine margins that define success in the sport. Fans from both sides witnessed a gripping encounter that sets an exciting tone for the European football season ahead.

With inputs from agencies

Image Source: Multiple agencies